AT-802U Sky Warden reconnaissance and strike aircraft went into production
Experienced aircraft AT-802U, participating in comparative tests
The Air Force and the US Special Operations Command intend to rearm part of the reconnaissance squadrons and transfer them to the new AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft. The necessary agreements have already been signed, and a schedule for the purchase and supply of such equipment has been drawn up. The first aircraft of the new type are expected this autumn, and the complete re-equipment and mastering of the technology will take several more years.
Park renewal
To solve part of the reconnaissance tasks, mainly in the interests of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the US Air Force has squadrons on U-28 Draco aircraft. There are about two dozen such boards in stock, which are no longer new and have limited capabilities. In this regard, at the turn of the last decades, it was proposed to replace them, and with additional working and combat capabilities.
In 2019-21 SOCOM and USAF conducted a series of experiments, as a result of which they launched a program to search for a new reconnaissance aircraft with the cipher Armed Overwatch (“Armed Observer”). Two structures wanted to get a new low-cost aircraft with high performance and operational characteristics. It was necessary to provide the ability to monitor ground objects, as in the case of the U-28. In addition, the customer wanted to arm the aircraft so that it could independently hit the targets found.
In mid-May 2021, SOCOM reviewed the submissions and selected five projects for further comparison. One of the contenders for the future contract was a joint project of L3Harris and Air Tractor under the designation AT-802U and the name Sky Warden (“Sky Warden”).
Workshop work
In the near future, five participants in the competition were to provide equipment for comparative testing. In the next 2022, they planned to choose the best option and sign a supply contract. It is curious that the treaty could have appeared earlier, but the Pentagon was unable to obtain the necessary money within the budget for 2021 fiscal year.
Production contract
On August 1, 2022, US SOCOM announced the winner of the competition, the Sky Warden aircraft from L3Harris and Air Tractor. In terms of the combination of tactical, technical and performance characteristics, it surpassed other developments and completely satisfied the customer.
The development companies received a contract for the preparation and launch of production worth approx. 3 billion. In accordance with this document, 75 aircraft of a new type will be built. Also, the customer will be supplied with training aids for flight personnel, mission planning and support systems, auxiliary equipment, spare parts, etc. In addition, the contractor will provide technical support throughout the operation of the aircraft.
In accordance with the contract, within the next six months, L3Harris was supposed to modernize the previously presented prototype and bring it to the serial appearance of Sky Warden. After the necessary tests of the modified machine, it was planned to begin preparations for mass production.
Production plan
When signing a contract with L3Harris, it was reported that the launch of production and supply of equipment would take several years. In 2023, they planned to start assembling the first pre-production batch of six aircraft. Both members of the Sky Warden project are involved in the production. Thus, aircraft are built at the Air Tractor enterprise, after which they are sent to the L3Harris plant for the installation of target equipment.
Cockpits
In 2023-24 the Armed Overwatch program was going to be moved to the "slow production" stage. Due to this, they wanted to re-equip the first unit. In 2026, it will have to reach initial operational readiness. According to last year's plans, the full readiness of the entire fleet will be received in 2029.
Not so long ago in May, SOCOM, as well as Flight Global and Air & Space Forces Magazine, revealed new details of the production plan. It is reported that by now the customer has allowed the start of production "at a slow pace." There are currently 26 aircraft in various stages of production.
The transfer of the first machines of the current batch to the customer is scheduled for October this year. These Sky Wardens will be used in full scale operational testing. Based on the results of testing and, if necessary, fine-tuning, in March 2025 they plan to launch a full-scale series. At this stage, the remaining fifty boards will be built in a few years.
On a ready platform
The reconnaissance and strike Sky Warden was built on the basis of the AT-802 agricultural aircraft. The latter has a successful design and has established itself as a good carrier of various special loads. In particular, experiments were repeatedly carried out with the installation of various weapons, up to missiles. In addition, the airframe of the aircraft is adapted to work in difficult conditions and with increased loads.
The AT-802 is built according to a normal aerodynamic design with a low, straight wing. The length of the aircraft reaches 11 m, the wingspan is 18 m. An empty aircraft in the basic configuration weighs approx. 2,95 tons, and the maximum takeoff weight exceeds 7,2 tons. The aircraft is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67AG turboprop engine with an HP 1350 power. Cruising speed exceeds 350 km / h, the ceiling is 4 km, the maximum flight range is 1300 km.
The AT-802U aircraft carries a reconnaissance complex with broad functions. Its basis is a central computer installed directly on the aircraft and responsible for the interaction of systems. The vehicle also receives communications equipment for receiving target designation and issuing intelligence data. The pilot-operator's cockpit has the necessary consoles and displays.
The reconnaissance complex is built according to a modular scheme. It is proposed to hang containers with equipment corresponding to the current task on the aircraft. Under the center section there are two points for their attachment. First of all, it is proposed to install containers with optoelectronic means. Perhaps in the future, the "Heavenly Overseer" will receive electronic intelligence equipment.
It is proposed to transport a combat load on two external pylons. In this capacity, containers with barrel weapons, small caliber unguided rockets, as well as AGM-114 guided missiles or other similar weapons.
Essentially, US SOCOM wants an easy-to-fly, low-cost multi-role aircraft for peacetime or low-intensity conflict use. AT-802U Sky Warden will have to monitor enemy activity, and, if necessary, immediately use weapons. At the same time, it is possible to install various equipment and weapons, in accordance with the tasks set.
While having some advantages, the AT-802U faces limitations and disadvantages. The main problem is the lack of protection and low survivability. Because of this, the aircraft will not be able to be used over the battlefield or in the areas of responsibility of full-fledged air defense. In fact, he will be able to fight only with small and poorly equipped armed formations. However, the project was developed precisely for this.
On the eve of re-equipment
In the recent past, the Special Operations Command and the US Air Force have set themselves the goal of upgrading reconnaissance squadrons. The corresponding program was launched, the best aircraft from the proposed ones was selected, and the production of the first batch of equipment started.
So far, all work is going in accordance with the plan or with a slight deviation from it. In about six months, the customer expects to receive the first Sky Warden aircraft and begin a new phase of testing. However, the most difficult and responsible stage of the program is still ahead. Full-fledged serial production and development of aircraft will begin only in two years.
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